Atlanta Season 4 EP 2 | Mr. Morale and The Red Lightsaber

[@DLA.]

Here before the title change ☝🏾

[@MrDinosaurjeff]

Had to do double take, so confused

[@Hamdanwun]

^^

[@TheTriangleOffense47]

Same! Lmao

[@NineNerdYards]

Lmao god damn.

[@MrTMONEY7919]

Me tooo

[@Mike-uf6wf]

This episode also explains earns outburst at the college in season 2 when his laptop was still in that room because it reminded him of what happened with his suit.

[@NineNerdYards]

Exactly! I forgot to put that part in on this draft! 😭

[@toneymitchell1032]

“It can be both”. That’s deep. Awesome video.

[@imsoexclusive105]

My mind instantly went to him kicking the door, now it shows he was being triggered.

[@yoambria3747]

Ooooooooo GOOD ONE! He went apeshit lol Then got that ass whooped lol

[@MaalyB26]

Oh shitttttttttttt

[@SirNerdLeroy]

You mentioning Darius maybe not needing therapy reminds me of something I said to my wife after she made an observation. She noticed how everyone goes by a nickname; Van, Earn, Al/Paper Boi, and even Lottie. No one usually goes by their real name except for Darius and I just said "that's because Darius is the only one who's truly himself. He's the most real one on there." I don't know why everyone goes by a nickname except for Darius or if it's intentional, but it does fit that he would be the only one who doesn't see a need to change it.

[@iateyursandwiches]

It's probably because there aren't good short hands/common nick names for Darius unlike other names (what darry?) But then the next question is whether the decision to give him such a name was intentional.

[@charmin6657]

@@iateyursandwichesD

[@TheLily97232]

Why are the weirdest most high people" always shown as the "realest ones"?

[@theleelife313]

With the Sasha part, I look at it like this. To Earn they were just friends but Sasha thought they were/she wanted more than that. So when she saw him talking to his crush, she felt betrayed, and in *spite*, didn't let him get his suit back.

[@maximusprime3459]

Whyte girls aint wired right. A lot of them behave like that especially with black dudes. Its a plantation mentality that they feel they've coveted the black man because they have his attention and friendship.

[@peterp9567]

"Darius probably doesn't need therapy." Oh he does. My god he does.

[@ZoeyChilds]

The credits rolling with a montage of Lisa in complete agony, adorned in baby hair, and Rick playing on top of all of that? Took me COMPLETELY out, top tier writing/production all around🤣🤣🤣

[@RalphJr-xp3hp]

I was dancing to that song in the end credits of the episode. I was lowkey thinking back to The Chappelle Show Rick James skit when Dave sang the song title after punching Charlie Murphy in the forehead.

[@CAP416]

Cold blooded! ❤

[@barry4649]

The idea of Earn hiring actors to ruin that woman’s life making her think she was finally making it was definitely inspired by when that happens Dee in Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia

[@NineNerdYards]

Lmao that is such a crazy episode

[@twoodbeats]

I think he trust Darius because he gave him his phone to cash in back in season 1 and was like "we're friends now" and then the selling the puppies thing worked out

[@towersofgiza]

Loved that episode

[@NativeTexMexican]

I trust Darius too.

[@maximusprime3459]

Darius has never lied or betrayed his trust.

[@amarauzo7650]

Lisa’s audacity towards her friend made me so mad bc who said quit your job…

[@theorderofthebees7308]

The moment I heard that - I was like you in danger girl 😂😂😂

[@SofaKingOverThisIsh]

You were right about Donald's performance opening up to the therapist. Powerful work, I'll admit it, it got to me.

[@christopherayettey4390]

How is thar powerful?

[@christopherayettey4390]

How is thar powerful?

[@SofaKingOverThisIsh]

Is that a serious question? Well, keeping in mind that art is subjective, but I personally believed the pain in his eyes and his performance. I empathetically felt his performance, which makes it powerful to me.

[@pepesilvia429]

how was it a powerful performance he ain't even lift anything

[@craigbarnave7857]

The relationship with Sasha was a lesson. A hard lesson he learned. Your friends are not always your friends.

[@iamdcarrington]

The possibility of Earn’s abuser being Al’s mom and that being the reason why he didn’t go to her funeral 🤯 Damn bro. That’s crazy.

[@mateohodge6998]

I thought he did go Al said he ain't heard from him since the funeral I might be misremembering tho

[@iamdcarrington]

@@mateohodge6998 nah, I think you’re right. I rewrite things in my head all the time 😂

[@solomonmabry]

He did go. But I wouldn’t be surprised if he just went to support al, and didn’t feel guilty about her death. Maybe the whole series was a plot to screw over al

[@tonysshinebox1296]

Doubt it

[@mateohodge6998]

@@solomonmabry nah I think his abuse might've been sexual in Nature it feels deeper than just someone being mean and beating on him He trusted someone and they hurt him I thought maybe it was the Alligator man but because I love Katt Williams I'm banking it being on a character we haven't been introduced too yet

[@gazer99]

I rewatched the first episode recently and noticed how even back then Earn was being spiteful against the white dude from the radio station that was saying the n word. that situation it was a lot more justified but it just shows how it’s snowballed from here and now that Earn is in a powerful position he’ll inact his wrath on whoever he wants

[@NineNerdYards]

He even does that same goof face in that scene too.

[@swans184]

Yeah him lying in his storage unit with that super-intense look on his face makes a lot more sense now lol

[@BlxckBaron]

@@swans184 the finale makes it even more beautiful, S1 ends with him homeless in a storage unit, S4 ends with him driving off in a Maserati and smoking a L in a mansion with his best friends.

[@nerdlarge4691]

Kim Porter didn't just die under "strange circumstances" . She died from complications of pneumonia after her physician sent her home after a medical visit where she complained of fatigue, fever, and sore throat.

[@BkNy02]

Nowadays people need to straight up lie to get proper care. I told my family if you're at the hospital and being ignored, complain of chest pains and mention a family history of heart disease. It really ridiculous and it's getting worse due to a nursing shortage.

[@talethiashareef3690]

Not according to Al B sure 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@12BITSOUL]

@@talethiashareef3690 Explain

[@amkobra]

Tracey working there a huge red flag. He's managing the time of an agent? Agents, who are juggling dozens of clients. The type of time management and paperwork that go into it. Remember he was the guy who wanted to exploit the no chase policy.

[@NineNerdYards]

Lmao I wanted to believe so bad.

[@PlatinumHustle]

🤣🤣🤣

[@mikepeoples5595]

I will continue 2 reiterate that from the 1st season to this one, Atlanta is pure genius. The subtle nods, undertones, symbolism, & just great story writing is unmatched. Atlanta I feel is still underrated as a top tier show. By the way, I loved the Anthology episodes. 🔥

[@slimtonthegreen]

Now y’all gotta agree, Tracy’s laughter is the funniest shit ever😂😂😂

[@Italic_q]

I thought the fact that he said he trusts darius in the therapy session and the moment he realizes he needs more therapy was when darius said something was very interesting. Their relationship has come a long way from not knowing him and not willing to give hear anything darius said in the first episode to going around atlanta trading swords for dogs and the talk at the end of season 2 . Darius is one of my favorite characters from the show and I hope we see more of him interacting with ern this season(I just want more darius to be fair lol)

[@bigol9223]

Didn't even catch the part where Sasha did it all on purpose to get back at Earn. I like the irony of Earn getting back at the airport worker for not letting him fly, by becoming a "terrorist" lol

[@mauricemcdonald6192]

Yo the fact that you knew the Therapist was the person that says the name of the show on trailers is crazy, I never noticed that and you really take your time to deep scrub everything, plus the editing is 👌🏽.

[@witchdoctorstrong3734]

10:00 I think what made that moment better w/ Earn talking about spite was the Donald Glover in IRL said he loves spite as well. Hell, it was the reason why he made AWAKEN MY LOVE ALBUM Also Kendrick said it best, "HURT PEOPLE, HURT PEOPLE."

[@karlnaidoo8046]

I think your price estimate is absolutely fair, Earn and Al are rich-rich right now. Their wardrobes have considerabely evolved since S1&2

[@christopherayettey4390]

Earn still dresses like a bum

[@ray-de-yolisten9934]

Wait, the baby hair on the white lady had me dying she was really tryna relate to the black children and to find out Earn was behind all it lmao 🤣 😂

[@TheArchitect_world]

In Sasha head "If I can't have you then no one can."

[@ptitcka]

Earn pulled a Blue Blood type beat revenge plot this episode. While one was artistic, the other spiteful. It's funny that they both ended up with empty feeling "wrap" parties, despite having seemingly different motives.

[@corneliusrawness]

Damn

[@Treyvondiggs22]

“Mfs need therapy” best line of 2022 ( also it wouldn’t be far fetched for the album and this episode could be linked )

[@stonywilliams]

I had NO idea the therapist was the voice from the ads, super trippy! Dope episode

[@haunter27]

Donald was actually an RA at NYU; he was my friend’s RA!

[@NineNerdYards]

Do you know Donald’s hair braider?

[@jodakjones816]

it was probably 12k. it’s wild because i tweeted to the atlanta fx acct. “earn is the spite king”. they responded “crown lean on his head like a fitted”.

[@g4brielb0nfim]

Someone on reddit pointed out that Earn completely lost it on that episode on season 2 when that crazy chick locked his laptop on her dorm. Now we know why he flipped out

[@benchik7852]

I appreciate you a lot and even darius needs therapy

[@robesdebah4811]

All I could think about at the end was Glover's stand-up bit about kids being sociopaths. Like what it would be like to find out your coworker was a monster.

[@KingNycJohnson]

This is the only channel I watch for Atlanta breakdowns. Your attention to detail is incredible, you point out things i didnt notice initially. Keep up the great work

[@ritchiesims9742]

Sad part is people like Darius seem good but are hurt the most

[@MitchellBahamas]

Al Clowning Earn on therapy was a clear gaslight on how black ppl shun therapy

[@Potentialaj]

This was one of my fave episodes because I love therapy. Also the way Earn lied to his therapist reminded me of how my clients lied to me when I worked in corrections!! LOL

[@Porifera-Jaymen]

That wrap up party had me laughing till it hurt. Funniest thing I've seen in years.

[@shreehill9641]

I thought I was having a heart attack. It turned out to be anxiety. I was floored. Take care of Yourself folks

[@watwatwatwat]

When I heard "if you need therapy" at 2:20 I instantly fast forward before I realized that it wasn't an ad for Better Help😂

[@NineNerdYards]

Lol you’re safe. I can’t get a sponsor for shit lol.

[@watwatwatwat]

​@@NineNerdYards Lol I hope you do! Just finished the hour-long video on s4e8 and it was a trip! You deserve every bit of recognition for this channel!

[@craigbarnave7857]

At what cost. Revenge especially her never knowing she’s been destroyed on a masters level. The way they do Black people in this country just for entertainment. I love it.

[@RalphJr-xp3hp]

I actually felt satisfied at the end of the episode despite what Earn did. I rooted for him to get his revenge back on that whites woman for ruining his life at Princeton University back then. This episode went by that line of, “hurt people hurt people” word for word without shying away from it. Plus, if y’all are familiar with hip-hop and rap culture then you would know Earn took a page out of 50 Cent’s book for get payback on your opponent/enemy. Hell, the plan was genius and mind blowing even Al’s friend, Tracy, was spooked out by Earn. To that exact moment Earn looked at Tracy dead ass in the face and said, “Hey, you’re next.”

[@briancarter4255]

Bro thank you for all the Atlanta analytical videos that you do. They are an real eye opener. You are truly the g.o.a.t when it comes to breaking down and understanding the mind of Donald Glover. I really hope one day you’ll be recognized and appreciated for your efforts by Donald. Keep doing what you love even when others wanna count you out. 🐐💯

[@BrunoM19T11]

18:33 yes. Yes she did

[@NineNerdYards]

Lol probably

[@Reu8enofleon]

It’s pretty amazing how much simple choices can reveal about nuanced character. I was so excited to finally learn about the Earn’s ominous Princeton Experience and fully understand his character. But it’s came at a price because now I don’t think Earn is someone I can relate to anymore. The Princeton experience was horrible and I don’t blame him for having that trauma but what he did to that woman was just. Cruel and ugly. That after party was the most in his element he’s been in the entire show. Even more than the final session of therapy. I feel like the “at what cost” question can be applied to the cost of knowledge that the viewer has with this episode. I’ve always seen Earn as a fascinating rabbit hole of character traits. This episode felt like the end of the rabbit hole and all of those traits coming together to form the full picture. Earn isn’t just “using” spite. It’s his refuge. I feel sorry for him but I at the same time distinctly unnerved by him now.

[@DonMahogany88]

I’m real grateful for this channel. Atlanta is my fav show ✊🏾

[@BlueNoteGaming_]

I watched this episode twice and immediately just went to this scene the second watch. I wanted to feel what Earn felt so I could make sure that breakthroughs like that were okay to have. The therapy sessions were comforting in a way.

[@NineNerdYards]

Is BlueNote BlueBlood 🤔

[@jongoldau1339]

Darius needs it the most

[@calvinpotgieter9153]

Lisa creeping on the EMT guy in the opening scene, then being openly racist at her workplace - reminds me of Bash’s dad from s3, privately listening to hip-hop for his workout, then refusing to let it play aloud in his home.

[@sachamoses9233]

No darius definitely needs therapy he grieving and can't gauge between what's reality and what's not

[@Ratryoshka]

This episode got me in the end, i mean, Darius has always been my fav character but looking at how petty Earn got at the end i'm like "daaaamn im gonna root for this guy" eventhough seconds later the realization that Earn mightve weng too far kicked in.

[@SoulfulVeg]

I was here for the spite toward Lisa. And Earn has the money. She won't be stopping and harassing Black travelers anymore.

[@laotasurfs1110]

What does Lisa deserve? Honestly, we don't really care about her anyway, she's terrible, let what happens to her happen. But Earn -- who we do care about, who our hearts break for -- not only ruined this woman's life for ruining his day, but filmed the destruction so he could savor it over and over. It's not just him being petty and spiteful anymore, he wants to feast on her misery and dragged a production of people along for the ride. He got away with it, and as long as he has the means to, he could do it again. That or worse. So the question becomes... what does *Earn* deserve?

[@valoruniversity]

Earn deserves an applaud....😅😅😅

[@princessbubblegum9135]

Bro deserves a steak dinner with all the trimmings

[@troubleshootah]

Atlanta is the best show on television. It is nothing short of groundbreaking. Your videos kick ass. Please keep up the good work.

[@angiegray4987]

You know Sasha was acting out of spite. Good insight!

[@whalescience8831]

Good breakdown, my one addition would be that earn/terry/gordon didn't rent the agent office, they were using a space that just happened to be empty. This is why Terry is very firm in reminding the agent of his 1030 appointment. They had to be out of the space or they would have been found.

[@bam6213]

Needed this episode. Felt like the first season mixed with the third. Just a great balance.

[@jasonroy0]

The therapy joke was one of the funniest parts of the episode

[@alishainc]

incredible commentary as always loved when you caught the tissue reach

[@iamdcarrington]

THIS! Even the way he looks at his hand. It’s as though he’s seeing his younger self reaching out to something that was taken away from him. Crazy stuff.

[@rickyspanish2412]

The circle of spite

[@hatruong5219]

I for sure thought you were priming us for a Better Help sponsorship

[@FedUpSista]

Hurt people, hurt people.

[@kwaazionyonkopon]

I love how Darius is probably good

[@maxinerainbow6883]

Damn you're good at this.

[@Comeonnowskip]

Solid video, man. I love your analysis. The fetishization of black folk subtext of Lisa's story was a whole other thing that had me think a lot, probably more than I should have. Listening to black music, lust after black bodies, all while being racist af. There's a lot there. I do think the estimates on Earn's production was a low ball, I have the feeling it took a little bit longer than a couple of days to get all of that going and there had to be more people involved. I am curious how they filmed it all.

[@tacrewgirl]

Yeah, Lisa's fetishization of black folk while also being racist is real real. He touches on it briefly in the analysis, but yeah that stood out to me too.

[@bigol9223]

Do you think it's fetishization? I thought it was more that she takes out her frustration of being unwanted and ignored by the guy she's attracted to by hassling black guys needlessly at her job as revenge. Trying to get noticed even in a negative way. Then Earn takes out his frustration of being "rejected" by her and the other white girl (not romantically) by dedicating an entire scheme to ruining her life. They're both just going through a cycle and taking out their trauma on others.

[@MusicMissionary]

@@bigol9223 I thought the same thing about Lisa. She was obviously the horse in her story and was also motivated by spite.

[@Comeonnowskip]

@@bigol9223 I actually do think it's a fetishization. Not only the lusting of her neighbor, but also listening to black music and such.

[@weteem]

@@bigol9223 yeah this was very familiar 😭

[@thulanimashava1708]

"good for you Lisa" was funny as hell! Love your content man.

[@eterty8335]

That's hilarious: I spent so much time throughout the whole episode being weirded out thinking Lisa looked a lot like the lady who confused Earn for some dude named Alonso (back in S1 I think), that her being the airport lady completely went over my head

[@zod4365]

Anyone notice, the publicist, was giving his best Jason Alexander/George from Seinfeld impression? He didn't sound like that, at the "wrap party."

[@rovwalker]

If I haven’t said it before, this is the best Atlanta recap/review channel on KZbin.

[@kernelpanick636]

Bravo on this breakdown. I appreciate these videos and explaining earn reaching out and the spite along with a possible jealous gf situation in college is exactly what I was thinking about!

[@SRSuave90]

This episode reminded me of the rich pettiness of 50 Cent

[@ruffiankick]

Fr 😂😂😂 buying out Ja Rule's Front Row Seats and shit

[@geminikid609]

Donald glover said in an interview that he loves spite (in the interview he uses the word salty but its the same feeling hes describing) and he moves off of it so i saw this as more of him touching something personal for him

[@MsNieshaBean]

I've been waiting for your breakdown! Glad to have you back!

[@NineNerdYards]

Glad to be back!

[@mizsab365]

only 10min in and the gems, the analysis and the deep revelations you're unearthing is real!! Keep up the work bro!

[@Toptierenergy]

My guy plugged therapy resources in the description box, I LOVE IT HERE!!!!!

[@willaroberts134]

yo, kendrick is sitting in cafe and can be seen when Lisa dips drinking coffee in the back @12:29

[@sophisticatedchatonartistr5475]

Just found this channel! Love it :)

[@danfisher3205]

Another possible link between this episode and Kendrick's album is, in the scene were Lisa is with her friend in the coffee shop, there is a customer that looks an awful lot like Kendrick Lamar. coincidence?

[@lauraechavarriaposada7428]

Yeeeesss, i saw that too 🤔🤔🤔

[@NineNerdYards]

I’ve noticed this be mentioning this. I never picked up on it. About to go back and see.

[@robinlue2008]

Thank God I'm not crazy. I saw him sitting on the stool. First thing I said " I know damn well that ain't Kendrick" 🤣

[@aidanofapollo6112]

The part about that college girl reminds me of “That Power” from Camp. Both cases he trusted someone and they used that against him.

[@TheColossalMan]

The story from the Camp album was a story from D.C. Pierson's life.

[@JJRichardson_]

Your reactions are spectacular I am proud of you

[@rosestone5091]

Oh wow, great catch connecting Earn and Rick James “Cold Blooded!”

[@MaskedHeart]

that rage feels good sometimes

[@sweetmilk1566]

I thought you noticed by the video's title but that has got to be Kendrick Lamar sipping coffee at 12:29. He also appears right after Sasha gets in the cafe.

[@tafarithehooligan]

Bro, I was starting to feel like Atlanta is basically a kendrick album + the boondocks + black mirror

[@SolaceMusic]

Great video. Just one thing: They weren't dissing therapy! Think about Maslow's Hierarchy. Al was simply pointing out that Earn is finally at such a level of privilege, that he has the *time and money* to have a worker dedicated to talking about his problems. Alfred said nothing negative about the therapy itself. So I personally found that part pretty funny, but I can see why you came to the conclusion that you did.

[@grahamkaira]

I thgt the same that he was saying u have money for a therapist now bc of me. During this recap I hear PaperBoy say that Earn was wasting his money which I consider negative.

[@jakrispy3005]

"when Kanye got back with Drake,, I was slightly confused, guess im not as mature as I think, got some healing to do"

[@robchuk4136]

Your breakdowns really highlight the genius of Atlanta. Fx should be paying you

[@KhayHarris]

Yo, I've been looking for video essays properly breaking down Atlanta since season 2. These bro, 😙👌chef's kiss. Thank you.

[@rodrigoortega1477]

Been waiting for this breakdown since I saw that plot twist with earn at the end of the episode

[@craigbarnave7857]

He didn’t deserve to be rejected at the airport. He had valid ID a US passport. This would never be done to the lowest of low to a white American

[@professorslim2492]

Interesting fact: Earn's therapist is the same guy who narrated some of Atlanta's TV promos Edit: I jumped the gun and mentioned this before watching the whole vid, I'm stupid.

[@rhkagePKMN]

Appreciate ur talk on therapy and mental health

[@Chimagic]

Darius needs the most therapy out of them all, he just has the most intricate coping mechanisms. Also therapy has its benefits but i query western therapy techniques applied to the Afro condition. Especially considering the collective trauma is caused by western capitalism and the stasis the black condition has been left in

[@MrShabindigo]

Earn used Lisa as an avatar for everybody that did him wrong throughout the series. From his abuser, to Sasha, to Tracey, to Violet (now you see why Earn was so triggered when Violet wouldn't open the door for him to get his laptop), to the girl that wouldn't take his $100, the club promoter, etc, etc, etc. Everybody that put him down or hurt him. This is a prime example of what happens when people with bad mental health or unresolved trauma get money and power. The first person that did him wrong after he got paid he took revenge on. Lisa is no better. I feel that she's like Sasha. She felt privileged and got rejected by her neighbor. Like Sasha, she weaponizes her whiteness against Black people. She couldn't get directly at the neighbor for not giving her any play, so she uses her power at the airport to stick it to Black male passengers. Did I think she was particularly racist, in that respect? No. She's like Dirk, the venue owner from the Sinterklaas episode, in Season 3: Punching at everybody that reminds her of the pain that one person caused. Addendum: Holy shit! It just hit me. THAT'S why Liam Neeson was there. His story mirrors this exactly! Like Earn, Sasha, Dirk, and Lisa (possibly more), he told his story of looking for any black man to hurt as payback for what one specific black man did to his friend ...

[@swans184]

Have a new heart issue myself, which lying down helps relieve, so it was weird to see brought up at the exact same time I'm struggling with it

[@NineNerdYards]

Is this something you are recovering from?

[@yt-sh]

Thanks for those free therapy links

[@bellum5432]

After this episode, Earn's status as a certified generational hater was solidified. Nevet stop hating

[@rustecohle591]

Thanks for the links

[@mauricemcdonald6192]

The correlation between Kendrick’s album & this episode 😘🤌🏽

[@sinshenlong]

this is the Earn I wanted to see since the end of season 2

[@marcusshark3974]

Darius is good. No therapy needed facts